By Sophia Afolabi
Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have lost their lives following an explosion along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident was confirmed by the Imo State Police Command in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, who said the affected area was immediately cordoned off and secured by operatives of the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit.
Okoye disclosed that after a thorough sweep of the scene, the area was declared safe for residents and motorists, assuring members of the public that there was no further threat.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion occurred while the two victims were inside a large drainage channel, where they were suspected to have been scavenging for scrap metal.
The deceased were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, an indigene of Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The police said both victims sustained severe burn injuries in the explosion and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
The statement added that the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion, with further updates to be made available as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that the Command is fully on top of the situation. He also advised members of the public to promptly report any suspicious objects, packages or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s designated emergency lines.
